nomenklatura

nomenklatura Definition

no·men·kla·tura (nō′mən klä to̵or′ə)

noun

the ruling, bureaucratic elite of the former Soviet Union, made up of members of the Communist Party who were chosen by the party to hold positions of leadership and privilege in government and industry
any similar ruling elite

Etymology: Russ, a listing of positions to be filled < L nomenclatura: see nomenclator

nomenklatura Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

Stalinist: In many former eastern bloc countries, the Stalinist nomenklatura was in the forefront of management buyouts of state property, or arms trading.

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